KARACHI, Jan 31: A meeting of the Sindh Secretaries’ Committee presided over by the Chief Secretary, Javed Ashraf Husain, and attended by the ACS (Development), district Nazims, administrative secretaries, DCOs, the DG KDA, the MD KWSB and other officials here on Thursday observed that the second phase of the Khushhal Pakistan Programme (KPP) had almost been completed.

The KPP-II was of the size of Rs1.8 billion and its completion resulted in execution of 700 projects in different sectors all over the province. The KPP-II, during the process of implementation, generated 38,000 jobs.

The progress on the newly launched KPP-III, estimated at Rs2.8bn, was discussed. The district Nazims and DCOs were asked to identify schemes for the KPP-III and get schemes approved by Feb 15.

Nazims and DCOs were informed about districtwise allocations. The allocation, in million rupees, for each district will be; Hyderabad 238.644, Badin 139.654, Thatta 139.15, Dadu 183.75, Larkana 160.02, Jacobabad 164.35, Shikarpur 72.828, Sukkur 73.836, Ghotki 79.88, Khairpur 127.26, Nawabshah 87.94, Naushero Feroz 89.46, Mirpurkhas 130.788, Sanghar 165.86, Tharparkar 122.77 and Karachi 823.788.

Out of the total allocation of Rs2.8bn, the finance department has released Rs1.7bn till date. Informing that the cut-off date for the KPP-III would be June 30, the chief secretary emphasized upon its timely completion. The participants of the meeting observed that the KPP-III would generate about 50,000 new jobs.

It was estimated that the third phase of the KPP would provide for execution of approximately 1,100 new schemes, all over the province.

The district Nazims and DCOs were advised that no such scheme would exceed Rs50 million for urban areas and Rs25m for rural areas. This would ensure inclusion of as many schemes as possible.

In a significant development, Wapda dues up to December 31, 2001, have been settled completely, reducing past arrears to zero. From now on district governments would pay bills in time to avoid accumulation of arrears.

The Annual Development Program for financial year 2001-2002, sized at Rs5.7bn, was discussed. The ADP has allocated Rs4.2bn and Rs1.5bn to be spent on ongoing schemes and new projects, respectively. Out of the total allocation of Rs5.7bn, Rs3.2n have so far been released. Utilization, as compared to the one for same period last year, was found better. The chief secretary emphasized upon faster utilization of the released funds.

The progress on ADP in each district was reviewed. District Nazims and DCOs were asked to identify new schemes within 15 days.—PPI